Job Description

We are looking for a meticulous and confident Integrated SHEQ Systems & Audit Specialist to act as the custodian of our Integrated SHEQ Management System. You will ensure continuous compliance, audit readiness, and best-in-class document control across all sites, while calmly steering both internal and external audits to successful outcomes.
Your Mission
To own, protect and continuously improve the company's Integrated SHEQ Management System in line with FSSC 22000, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, SMETA, Export and Regulatory Requirements -- ensuring that when auditors arrive, we're already ready.
Key Areas of Accountability
Integrated Management System Ownership
Maintain and administer the Integrated SHEQ Management System across all sites
Ensure alignment with all applicable standards and regulatory requirements
Support the SHEQ Manager with system improvements and Management Review inputs
Document Control (Where Order Reigns Supreme)
Control and maintain all SHEQ documentation, including policies, SOPs, specifications, HACCP plans, work instructions, forms, records and registers
Ensure robust version control, approval workflows, change control, controlled distribution and withdrawal of obsolete documents
Maintain master document registers per standard and per site
Ensure site teams always work from current, approved documentation
Manage supplier questionnaires, supporting documentation and maintain an up-to-date Approved Supplier List (ASL)
Ensure Production Packs, Quality Packs and File 13 records are accurate, accessible and audit-ready
Assign File 13 user access in collaboration with IT
Maintain laboratory records for process-related results (moisture, water activity, nutritional data)
Internal Audit Programme
Develop, manage and execute the Annual Internal Audit Programme
Conduct internal audits covering:
Food Safety (FSSC 22000
Quality & Quantity (e-mark)
Occupational Health & Safety (ISO 45001)
Ethical & Social Responsibility (SMETA)
Compile audit reports, communicate findings and track corrective actions to closure
External Audit Coordination & Leadership
Act as Audit Lead for all external audits, including
FSSC 2200
ISO 45001
SMETA
ZA Export
EU, UK and FDA audits (Treats Plant)
Prepare sites through gap assessments, documentation reviews and audit planning
Host auditors with confidence and professionalism
Manage audit close-outs and certification maintenance
Serve as the primary point of contact for auditors on system-related matters
Support mock recalls and traceability exercises by retrieving records, COAs, COCs and process documentation
Corrective Actions & Compliance Monitoring
Maintain CPAR registers and monitor non-conformance trends
Support departments with corrective action development and implementation
Escalate systemic or high-risk compliance issues to the SHEQ Manager
Reporting & Communication
Prepare audit summaries, compliance reports and Management Review inputs
Report audit performance, risks and compliance status to SHEQ and Technical Management
Liaise with suppliers (with Supply Chain) to manage and update all supplier documentation
Why Montego:
Montego Pet Nutrition, a family business established in 2000 in the Karoo, is the leading independent pet food manufacturer in the African Market. As a pioneer in pet care, we have always been passionate about bettering pets, people and the planet. For 25 years, our genuine love of pets has been at the heart of our business and supports our brand promise of "Better Every Day". Today, pet owners in more than 20 countries across five continents trust us to produce world-class products with the health and wellbeing of pets in mind.
What You'll Bring
Qualification in Food Science, Quality Management, Environmental Management or Health & Safety (NQF Level 6)
Qualified Internal Auditor (FSSC 22000 / ISO 14001
Export regulatory audit experience (EU / UK / FDA / ZA)
SMETA or social audit exposure
Lead Auditor qualification
Valid Driver's Licence (Code B)
Certified Internal Auditor
Minimum 5 years' experience in a food manufacturing or FMCG environment
Proven exposure to FSSC 22000, BRCGS, ISO 9001, ISO 45001, Legal Metrology, Internal Auditing and Management System Document Control
Proficient in MS Office
Strong understanding of FSSC 22000 document control processes
Confident communicator (written and verbal)
Excellent planning, coordination and follow-up skills
Ability to work independently and manage multiple audits simultaneously
High integrity, sound judgement and absolute respect for confidentiality
Structured, detail-oriented and unfailingly accurate

Skills Required